General to keynote local Veterans Day ceremony

Liberty Hill veterans will host Brig. General Stephen G. Sanders during a special Veterans Day Memorial Service at 8 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 10, at the VFW Post 8200 downtown.

Since 2009, Sanders has served as deputy commanding general for the 36th Infantry Division of the Texas Army National Guard. In his role, he is the principal advisor on support matters to the Division Commander. He prepares subordinate units for overseas contingency operations as well as defense support to civil authority missions in support of homeland defense and security.

Sanders received his commission in 1980 through the Reserve Officers Training Corps at Sam Houston State University where he also earned a bachelor’s degree in physics.

He began his military career with Texas Army National Guard and subsequent duties included various tactical, operational and strategic assignments including commands of a combat engineer company, battalion and brigade.

He was deployed to Bosnia-Herzegovina, Stabilization Force and on active duty in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom III in 2004.

Most recently, Sanders was deployed to Iraq with his division headquarters where he assumed responsibilities to establish the U.S. Consulate in Basrah; assess, plan and build-out oil and gas infrastructure; and establish logistical conditions for the withdrawal of US forces from Iraq.

Sanders holds the Bronze Star and Meritorious Service Medal among various other commendation and service medals.

The VFW Post 8200 will host a free breakfast beginning at 7 a.m. Nov. 10, followed by the ceremony and speech at 8 a.m. in Veterans Park downtown. The public is invited to attend.